Analysis of LDL and HDL size and number by nuclear magnetic resonance in a healthy working population: The LipoLab Study

Abstract

Background and aim Atherosclerosis is the underlying process in cardiovascular disease (CVD), the first cause of death in developed countries. We aimed to identify people with no known CVD and normal values of LDL‐C and HDL‐C, but with alterations in the number and size of lipoprotein particles (as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]) and to analyse their sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics. Methods Cross‐sectional study in occupational risks prevention centre in Castellón (Spain) in 2017 and 2018, in consecutively recruited adults (18‐65 years) with no known CVD. Sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical variables were collected. Lipid profiles were analysed (Liposcale test), along with the concentration, size and number of the main types of lipoprotein particles, determined by 2D diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy. Using contingency tables, we analysed the characteristics of people with normal LDL and HDL cholesterol but abnormal levels of LDL and HDL particles. The magnitude of association between explanatory variables and abnormal levels of each kind of lipoprotein was assessed with multivariable logistic regression models. Results Of the 400 total participants (31.3% women; age 46.4 ± 4.3 years), 169 had normal LDL and HDL cholesterol. Abnormal lipoprotein particle values depended on the subtype: prevalence of abnormal LDL levels ranged from 8.3% to 36.7%; and of HDL, from 28.4% to 42.6%. High systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol were significantly associated with abnormal LDL levels. Male sex and high systolic blood pressure were associated with abnormalities in HDL. Conclusions An extended lipids profile, obtained by NMR, enables the identification of people with normal HDL‐C and LDL‐C levels who present abnormal levels of LDL‐P and/or HDL‐P. Higher total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, BMI and male sex were significantly associated with these abnormal values.

Relationship between Apolipoprotein E Genotype and Lipoprotein Profile in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

“…Moreover, intervention studies on cholesterol-lowering therapeutics have shown that reaching optimal cholesterol levels was not enough to eliminate residual risk [4]. These findings have led to further researches on other potential contributors to CHD, such as lipoproteins, and scientists have confirmed that there are atherogenic effects associated with lipoprotein particles [5,6].…”

Association of LDL-cholesterol subfractions with cardiovascular disorders: a systematic review

“…Among the studied studies, 17 studies had utilized the NMR method to evaluate LDL subfraction. Pallarés et al [ 29 ] in a cross-sectional study conducted on 400 participants, reported that subjects with higher concentrations of small LDL particle size had a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Also, Notarnicola et al [ 30 ] showed that higher concentrations of sdLDL would increase the risk of mortality in patients with CVDs.…”

NMR-Based Analysis of Plasma Lipoprotein Subclass and Lipid Composition Demonstrate the Different Dietary Effects in ApoE-Deficient Mice

“…Despite previous clinical and cross-sectional studies that have found a positive relationship between higher levels of LDL particles and cardiovascular disease [ 30 , 31 , 32 ], the detailed comparison of compositional proportions and concentrations of different components within LDL particles of varying sizes has not been thoroughly explored. Examining the distribution and compositional characteristics of CH, TG, PL, and other lipid components within LDL particles of various sizes will contribute to a deeper understanding of their potential roles in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.…”